Iowa – 1st District

Democrat Republican

Candidate Bruce Braley Mike Whalen

Funds On Hand $131,000 $215,000
Recent Poll Not available. Not available.
Widely regarded as the top House race in the country, Iowa’s 1st District is an open Republican-held seat that supported
both Kerry and Gore. Both parties have heavily targeted this race, and it’s a necessary part of any formula for a
Democratic House takeover. The Cook Political Report ranks this race a “Toss-Up.”

The District
Rep. Jim Nussle, a moderate who has had
tough races in recent cycles, is departing this
seat to run for governor, and Braley and
Whalen are facing off in this closely-divided
district. Spanning 12 counties in northeast
Iowa, the district is one-third Republican, one-
third Democratic and one-third independent. Its
population centers, along the Mississippi, are
Dubuque and the Davenport-Bettendorf
metropolitan area.

About Bruce Braley

“Washington just isn’t working for us
anymore,” says Bruce Braley, an employee and
consumer-rights attorney making his first run for office. He is running on a platform of improving the economy, creating
jobs, protecting Social Security and ensuring fair trade. He advocates an exit strategy for Iraq and the implementation of
the 9/11 Commission recommendations. www.brucebraley.com

About Mike Whalen

A developer, restaurant entrepreneur, and Republican activist, Whalen is also a first-time candidate. He describes himself
as a “consistent conservative” and advocates privatized Social Security accounts and GOP tax policies. He is a strong
supporter of the war in Iraq. www.mikewhalen.com

Fundraising and Polling

Despite strong fundraising, both candidates have seen their funds depleted by recent contested primaries. Whalen has
raised $951,000, some self-funded, and has $215,000 on hand. Braley has brought in $825,000, 72% from individuals, and
has $131,000 left. Both party committees are expected to spend heavily here. No public polling has been released.

Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, www.sos.state.ia.us/elections, www.fec.gov

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